NASCAR’s only person of color, Bubba Wallace, found a noose in his garage stall less than two weeks after he pushed the auto racing series to ban the Confederate flag at its facilities and tracks.
The noose was found on the same day NASCAR’s flag ban faced its biggest challenge as photos of planes and vehicles carrying the banned symbol were shared on social media.
Bubba Wallace said on Twitter: “Today’s despicable act of racism and hatred leaves me incredibly saddened and serves as a painful reminder of how much further we have to go as a society and how persistent we must be in the fight against racism.
“Over the last several weeks, I have been overwhelmed by the support from people across the NASCAR industry including other drivers and team members in the garage.
“Together, our sport has made a commitment to driving real change and championing a community that is accepting and welcoming of everyone.”
He added: “Nothing is more important and we will not be deterred by the reprehensible actions of those who seek to spread hate.
“As my mother told me today, “They are just trying to scare you.” This will not break me, I will not give in nor will I back down. I will continue to proudly stand for what I believe it.”
NBA superstar Lebron James showed his support and wrote: “Sickening! @BubbaWallace my brother! Know you don’t stand alone!”
The athlete added: “I’m right here with you as well as every other athlete. I just want to continue to say how proud I am of you for continuing to take a stand for change here in America and sports! @NASCAR I salute you as well!”
In a statement, NASCAR said it had launched an investigation and it will do everything it can to find the person responsible and ‘eliminate them from the sport.’
“We are angry and outraged, and cannot state strongly enough how seriously we take this heinous act,” the statement added.
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